columbia travel pack

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Columbia Men's Mazama 34L Travel Backpack

• Legal carry on size with most airlines
• Clamshell opening
• External access to padded laptop sleeve
• Separate tablet sleeve
• Side compression straps
• Front pocket organization
• One main compartment with internal compression
• Water bottle pocket
• Zippered internal shoe and mesh pockets
• Contoured shoulder straps

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The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our simulations reveal which bags you can count on

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TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

A solid backpack is key to a successful trip. Think about it: You can use it as a carry-on, and if you pack light, it'll be the only piece of luggage you bring on a trip. It won't weigh you down as you rush to catch the inter-terminal train at the airport, and it'll look good on you as you stroll the streets of your destination. Find a good travel backpack, and it will serve you for years to come.

There’s a lot to consider when looking for a backpack to take you through all kinds of situations and environments. Waterproof, anti-theft, stylish, lightweight, wheels or no wheels—all things to keep in mind as you shop. To help you make the right choice, we tested 32 carry-on backpacks in our New York testing lab and in the real world. We tested for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value.

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other carry-on backpacks we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

Super durable material

Very comfortable with multiple carry methods

Lighter and more rugged than previous models

Nothing yet

Does the perfect travel backpack exist? We’re not sure, but we can’t think of one that comes closer than the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. This second version of Cotopaxi’s best-selling backpack is rugged and comfy, has excellent organization capabilities, and is the perfect size to throw in an overhead bin, toss in a vehicle, and huff around from train to hostel.

The pack uses burly TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and lightweight 840-denier ballistic nylon paneling. It has excellent weight distribution with comfy shoulder and sternum straps and hip belts, or stow the straps and carry the pack with side handles. The inside features multiple pockets of different sizes that we found perfect for separating clean and dirty clothes, electronics, and shoes. Bonus: It comes with a rainfly to protect it from the weather.

Capacity: 35 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 8 ounces | Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8 inches | Materials: TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and 840-denier ballistic nylon

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Osprey fairview 40.

Quite spacious while remaining carry-on sized

Keeps belongings secure

Good padding and weight distribution

Osprey’s women-specific Fairview 40 pack impressed our tester with its size, space, and compartments. “This bag has a lot of compartments and a lot of straps to hold everything in place,” our tester reported. Despite the bag fitting a bit large, our tester said it was still very comfortable to wear. Osprey employs its proprietary Lightwire Frame Suspension, which helps spread the weight across the back panel and from the harness to the hip belt.

Despite being a 40-liter pack, it weighs just about 3 pounds, thanks to the lightweight nylon ripstop material and frame. “It did not hurt my back, and I like how most of the weight was shifted to my lower back,” our tester mentioned. Besides the fit, we also appreciated that all straps are stowable, making it easy in case you need to check the bag on a plane (which is possible on smaller planes with this larger-capacity pack). For the men’s version of the same pack, check out the Farpoint 40 .

Capacity: 38 liters (extra-small/small size) | Weight: 3 pounds, 1 ounce | Dimensions: 19.3 x 13.8 x 8 inches | Materials: 210-denier nylon mini hex diamond ripstop and 600-denier packcloth

Best Budget

Vancropak 40l travel backpack.

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 3 /5
• Comfort 4 /5

Great for a short-to-medium-length trip

Could double as a business travel pack

Feature packed and user friendly

Lacks tech compartment

Cloth material could get dirty easily

This 40-liter pack checks all the boxes, including excellent value. Vancropak says it fits enough for trips between three and seven days, and we’d have to agree. “It fit everything even though I packed quickly and not thoughtfully or strategically,” our tester said. “It’s perfect for a weekend trip when you want to pack extra ‘just in case’ outfits or items. It even expands to provide more room. It has extra pockets, opens like a suitcase, has many different handles, and backpack straps that can be tucked and zipped away.” Compression straps also help shrink the bag back down after being packed.

And if you weren’t convinced yet of its value, it also includes packing cubes. “Its business-casual aesthetic makes it ideal for short business trips, too,” a tester added. One nitpick? There’s no laptop sleeve. But our testers thought the other features—and comfort—more than made up for that slight issue.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.98 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 13.7 x 6.2 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

Functional straps

Multiple ways to carry

Not too weighty

Our tester didn’t love the style

If you didn’t dig the budget pack above, behold another excellent value travel pack. Like the Vancropak, the Asenlin Travel Backpack also includes three packing cubes. Our testers found they could easily fit everything needed for a weekend trip. They also liked the internal straps for organization and the external straps for compression. “It offers three different carrying methods, which is nice,” the testers reported. “It has a lot of different pockets and storage areas. The bottle holder on the side also unzips to expand, which is a thoughtful addition.”

Our testers liked how comfortable the bag was to wear and that it wasn’t overly heavy (the brand claims it weighs less than 3 pounds). We also believe this could double as a business travel bag.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester Oxford cloth

Best for Business Travel

Nomatic travel bag.

• Comfort 3 /5

Fits about a week’s worth of items

Loads of internal organization

Comes with an additional laundry bag

Uncomfortable to carry at times

Some scuff marks after tossing around

While we certainly love this bag's sleek and simplistic aesthetic, there’s a lot more to it than just looks. It’s durable and water-resistant and has multiple carry options (e.g., duffel and over the shoulders), a separate shoe compartment, lots of tech organization, and a TSA-ready laptop sleeve.

Our testers loved the capacity of this pack. “It easily fit everything on the list with plenty of room to spare,” one tester said. “I think everything you would need for up to a week away would fit easily.” The pronounced rectangular shape of the bag made it extra easy to pack and helped organize folded clothes. “The bag had two different shoe pockets, a laptop sleeve, and many other compartments for both smaller clothing items and even some work supplies,” a tester reported.

The one drawback of this pack was our testers didn’t find it the most comfortable. Specifically, the straps were stiff and dug into one tester’s neck. Overall, though, our testers were very pleased with the pack and thought it was worth the fit, especially for the design and ease of packing.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 21 x 14 inches | Materials: Not listed

Best Multi-use

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

• Value 4.5 /5

Excellent capacity

Easy to handle

Thoughtful storage solutions

This 45-liter travel pack from Peak Design debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Expo in 2018 and promptly won many awards. A few years later, it still holds up. Peak Design basically thought of everything when designing this pack. The outside features weatherproof recycled 400-denier nylon canvas and ultralight padded foam. It includes grab handles on each side, stowable hip belts, and a sternum strap. The inside has multiple pockets for organization and loads of room for trips of four days or longer.

Our testers loved the size and the zippers allowing access from four different sides of the bag. “It was super easy to pack, and there were just enough organization solutions to provide options for different packing strategies,” a tester said. “I also loved how many handles there were. A grab handle on all four main sides of the bag makes it super easy to maneuver, especially when putting it in the overhead compartment.”

Testers also liked the sheath built into the pack to stow the hip belt and the small pocket on the belt for stashing quick-grab items like lip balm, keys, or cards. They also enjoyed the water bottle pockets on both sides and the pack's comfort. Oh, and this pack is 100 percent carbon neutral. The only issue they saw was the price—it’s one of the most expensive on this list. But if you can look at this as an investment, the durability suggests it should last for many years. It's certainly carry-on luggage that any travel-savvy guy can appreciate.

Capacity: 45 liters | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Weatherproof 100 percent recycled 400-denier nylon canvas external shell and 900-denier waterproof bottom liner

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Most Comfortable

Topo designs global travel bag 40l.

Topo Designs

Excellent internal organization

Many different carrying options

Great for long travel days

Could be roomier

If your travel involves carrying your backpack for long periods, we recommend Topo Designs' Global Travel Bag. This super durable pack is also super comfortable with plush and padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. We also love that there are multiple ways to carry this pack with a comfy and padded sling. Its construction includes durable and recycled nylons with a canvas feel. And it meets Fair Wear certification standards, ensuring fair labor practices.

“There are a ton of compartments and pockets, so a lot of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes,” one tester said. “I could easily see places to stash cords, travel docs, electronics, water bottles, and more.”

While our testers liked a lot about this bag—including its durability—the comfort won them over. “All the features built into the bag suggest it's intended to create maximum comfort for someone who anticipates carrying the bag for a more extended period of time,” our tester concluded.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 10.4 ounces | Dimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 7.5 inches | Materials: 1000-denier recycled nylon, 400-denier recycled nylon, 210-denier recycled nylon, 1680-denier recycled ballistic nylon

Best Splurge

Bellroy transit backpack plus.

Flat opening made for easy packing

Comfortable to carry

Long lasting

Minimal internal organization

If you weren't convinced by our business travel pick above, consider this your alternative. This pack's sleek, durable, and comfortable design makes it ideal for business and formal travel. Our testers found it easy to fit enough items for up to three or four days away. Lighter packers could stretch this to five days. The inside is designed more like a typical carry-on pack with one large compartment.

“This bag felt super light on my back and was padded in all the right places,” a tester reported. “It has adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the back of the pack when you don't want to use them, which is a genius feature.” Our testers were also impressed with the bag's durability, as it survived being tossed around our lab with zero marks or scuffs.

Capacity: 38 liters | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.4 inches | Materials: Recycled Dura nylon

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

• Design 4 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Suitcase-like opening allows easy access

Eco-friendly materials

Suitable for long travel days

Internal organization may be overcomplicated for some

Launched in 1958, Samsonite’s Silhouette collection is likely the oldest on our list. But those six decades of innovation have helped make this one of the best and most versatile bags out there—not to mention one with excellent style. You can also feel good about your purchase knowing that it features 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles.

Our testers liked the size of the bag and the opening, similar to a suitcase, which made it easy to pack and access items. There were many—almost too many—pockets and compartments. And our testers loved how comfortable and supportive this bag was to carry, noting its excellent weight distribution. “I would recommend this bag to someone looking for a backpack they can use as a primary form of luggage,” a tester concluded. “It has enough room and compartments to fit all of the essentials and keep them organized. It's also comfortable, supportive, and easy to carry.”

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 3.31 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches | Materials: Polyester and Recyclex

Best for Techies

Thule subterra backpack 34l.

Functional and looks good

Bag included for dirty laundry

Portable charger

Not the most comfortable

We’ve been pleasantly surprised with Thule’s line of luggage. And that certainly includes the Subterra backpack. This rugged pack could also be a good commuter option as it has a magnetic rolling top closure, a padded laptop sleeve, and a PowerPocket for charging items on the go. We love that it has many access points and comes with a packing cube and garment bag for dirty clothes.

"I loved being able to put my normal packing cubes inside the big cube that comes with the bag, and I was able to use the bag as a day bag anytime I needed to carry extra, and it never felt super bulky,” a tester reported—however, they noted that the bag didn’t particularly help their already-sore back. Not surprisingly, considering its construction, the pack aced our durability tests.

Capacity: 34 liters | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.2 x 9.1 inches | Materials: 800-denier nylon

Best for Storage

Mystery ranch mission rover.

Mystery Ranch

Sturdy with grab handles around the pack

Well-designed internal storage

Different ways to carry

A bit heavy

If you’ve never heard of Mystery Ranch, let us introduce you to the Bozeman, Montana-based brand, which makes super rugged packs for backpacking, hunting, the military, and firefighters. This travel-focused pack is incredibly solid on the outside and has many excellent organization and design features inside.

Highlights include a stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, multiple carrying options, a dirty clothes compartment, three inner divided pockets, and lockable zippers.

Capacity: 30, 45, and 60 liters | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 12 inches | Materials: Plain spun nylon, 210-denier nylon

We recommend the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack thanks to its incredibly durable polyester and nylon materials, well-designed internal storage, and included rainfly. Another great pick is the Vancropak Travel Backpack , which rings up at a fraction of the cost of some other options on the market.

We selected products to test based on the expertise of TripSavvy editors and writers and on internet research. Not surprisingly, TripSavvy editors and writers travel a lot. And they have many carry-on backpacks they like and don’t like.

To ensure we weren’t missing anything, we also researched what other prominent sites have featured and looked at top-rated and reviewed backpacks on sites like Amazon and REI. Once an initial list of products was selected, we narrowed it down to the final 28 for testing based on style, function, and price.

We tested the backpacks for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value. In our New York City-based testing lab, we asked testers to pack each backpack with three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag to test for capacity. We asked the testers to consider all aspects of the backpack’s construction, organizational capabilities, and any design innovations.

Testers then carried each backpack around using the different carrying styles. We asked the testers to rate how comfortable the bag felt fully packed. After the comfort test, we asked testers to toss and throw the bag several feet multiple times. We looked for damage on the outside of the bag and any damage to products inside the bag. Lastly, we asked testers to rate the bag for overall value after a price reveal.

We have since sent the backpacks to testers to continue testing as they travel. We will update this document accordingly as their insights are submitted.

Aer Travel Pack 3 : This pack was comfortable to wear thanks to its supportively firm and cushioned back, while its rugged fabric stood up well to rough handling. Our tester subtracted some points for capacity, as it was a squeeze to get everything on the list to fit, and for the more function-forward style.

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack : This bag is very nice to look at and proved quite durable. However, it's on the small side and the features aren't particularly travel-oriented—namely, the inflexible bottle holder and the magnetic flip top that is easily displaced when the pack is full.

Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag : Our tester appreciated the comfort of the straps and the practical capacity of this bag, though the price was on the higher end and the packing experience was a bit of a learning curve.

Monos Metro Backpack : Another looker, the design of this bag got high praise. We liked the 270-degree opening, the easy-release front pouch, and the comfortable straps. At 18 liters, this back is more of a complement piece to other luggage and could use a better weight distribution system.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable : The expansion feature was a hit once we figured out how to use it and the durability of this pack was undeniable. It was difficult to look past a faulty zipper design that got caught frequently when trying to close.

What to Look For in a Carry-on Backpack

Prices for carry-on backpacks vary widely, so consider what your greatest needs are. You can find a spacious travel backpack for under $100—often under $50—but if you plan on facing harsh outdoor environments , consider investing a bit more money for something waterproof. Leather backpacks can cost hundreds of dollars; keep this in mind if that material is important to you. Anti-theft travel backpacks can be a bit more expensive but are often essential in highly trafficked destinations.

There are so many styles out there you could spend days filtering through the different backpacks on the market. Keep it simple: How will you be using this backpack? If you’re interfacing with clients or business partners, look for something minimal and sleek that doesn’t showcase a million pockets. If you plan on living out of your backpack for most of your trip, pockets are more of a priority. You'll want a bag that zips open flat like a suitcase for easy packing and unloading (this also makes going through security easier).

If you are using your travel backpack for hiking, find something with a removable hip harness to distribute the weight of your pack better when you’re on the move. If you plan on wearing your travel backpack casually—only in the airport or to work—seek out a style with adjustable straps and a padded back. This will help ward off any back pain, especially if you carry a lot of weight. When you’re trying on backpacks, test out the shoulder straps and imagine how they would feel if the pack was filled to capacity. Is there ample padding? Will the material cut into your shoulders? Does the back of the backpack feel like it would be breathable?

The size of backpacks is generally measured in volume (liters) or dimensions (inches or centimeters). While it is essential to refer to the specific requirements of the airline you'll be flying, a good starting point for a carry-on when flying domestically is 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 total linear inches (115 centimeters) including all handles and wheels. This size comes out to a 43-liter pack, so anything smaller should easily meet any U.S. airline size restrictions. However, this is only the beginning, and several factors may increase or decrease your allowance, such as the size of the plane and flight class you book.

This will vary based on your backpack's materials. For nylon and other water-resistant fabrics, get a damp cloth and spot-clean your pack. A damp cloth will also do the trick if your bag has plastic or metal elements. For leather backpacks, you’ll want to purchase a special leather conditioner and cleaner to maintain the integrity of your backpack.

This is an excellent feature if you plan on hiking or spending long periods carrying your backpack. It will help distribute the weight of your pack better across your body, ultimately providing more comfort. Most backpacks that are focused on outdoor adventures will have this feature.

Many backpacks are marketed as anti-theft, meaning it’s tougher for someone else to get inside your pack. Some backpacks have zippers that allow you to open the main interior compartment while wearing it—so you don’t have to take it off and risk having someone else pick it up. Others are designed with webbing over the zipper openings, making it very hard for someone to locate and unzip the bag while you have it on.

No, this is not the norm when it comes to backpacks. Compression cords make packing easier and function the same way a compression strap or cord would work in a regular suitcase. Some travel-focused carry-on backpacks do have this built-in. But if you want to squeeze in more items, consider investing in some packing cubes . These will help organize your backpack, too.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy’s Outdoor Gear Editor. He has traveled to five continents, including plane, train, and bus travel. For most travel scenarios, he prefers backpacks over spinners or roller suitcases because of their ruggedness and different carrying methods. He currently uses Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L, Thule’s Subterra, and Topo Design’s Global Travel Pack the most. Each product recommended in this review was thoroughly researched and tested.

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Home » South America » Packing List

Colombia Packing List • 21 Items you NEED (2024)

Colombia has thrown of its reputation as a “no go zone” and risen to become one of the most exciting and happening backpacker destinations in the world today.

It is easy to see why. The nation offers a lively party scene, Caribbean beaches, lush jungles and epic adventure options. With so much diversity, packing for Colombia can however prove pretty tricky.

And we’re here to help, friends! We’ve put together this Colombia survival guide with you all your needs in mind. We’ll take you step-by-step through a comprehensive what to pack for Colombia plan.

Let’s get started…

The Ultimate Colombia Packing List

Packing for colombia checklist: personal gear, best of the rest – colombia checklist, the basic stuff to pack for colombia, final thoughts on what to pack for colombia.

Nomatic Travel Bag

• Capacity > 30L
• Price > $299

Nomatic Navigator Carry On

• Capacity > 37L
• Price > $400

GoPro Hero 11

• Resolution > 5k

Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket

• Price > $600

Insurance From World Nomads

• Price > Click For a Quote

Your Colombia packing is made easy thanks our awesome list. Let’s find our what to bring to Colombia.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Best Backpack For Colombia:  Nomatic Travel Bag

Before you even take on the task of figuring out what to pack for Colombia, you’ll need an amazing backpack to pack it all into. For all types of travelers and destinations, our number one recommendation is the  Nomatic Travel Bag .

The Nomatic travel bag covers every detail to make backpacking travel the best experience. Because of its smart design, it manages to provide loads of packing space in a convenient, carry-on size package! Its handy built-in pockets make plenty of room for all the necessities on your what to pack for Colombia checklist – you’ll find separate compartments for important items like shoes, water bottle, electronics, underwear and darn tough socks . As an added bonus, there’s also an RFID-safe and cord management pocket.

You have a choice between backpack or duffel bag carry, and extra carrying comfort for your back thanks to its innovative strap system and detachable sternum strap. And its black, waterproof material is every bit sleek and modern as it is durable and tough. There is a reason why most Broke Backpacker staff swear by this backpack. 

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Best Suitcase For Colombia:  Nomatic Carry-On Pro

Backpacks not your thing? That’s ok. Our friends at Nomatic are back again with a great alternative to their badass Travel Bag; the Nomatic Carry-On Pro. 

This suitcase is ultra-durable, sleek, and comes with a handy tech compartment for transporting your laptop and other electronic bits. Nomatic has been an industry leader when it comes to travel gear and that reputation is reflected in the quality build design and functionality of the Carry-On Pro suitcase. If you can travel on, then you can take full advantage of cheap domestic flights operating within Colombia.

Check out our  Nomatic Carry-On Pro review  to learn more about this epic suitcase. 

Best Camera For Colombia:  GoPro Hero9 Black

For most of us, our smartphones now feature cameras with stunning photo capabilities.

But… if you are an aspiring photographer who wants to take next-level photos and video beyond iPhone selfies, I recommend going with an action camera like the  GoPro Hero9 Black .

It does deliver pro-quality video and gives you a bunch of a different angle options and shooting speeds to work with for photos (including a selfie-mode).

Think of a camera purchase like this as a long term investment that will have you capturing epic shots well beyond your time exploring here.

If you are looking for something cheaper for video specifically, check out these epic  GoPro Alternatives .

Best Sim For Bali – HolaFly eSim

The good news about Colombia is that there is pretty good 4g and 5g Internet coverage, taxi apps and food delivery apps. The bad news is that your native SIM card will not work and so you will not be able to access any of this online goodness until you rectify that particular situation.

You can waste time hanging around phone shops queuing to get a local SIM card or you can simply install a eSim onto your phone before you leave home. You just access the HolaFly site, choose the Colombia package, download it and off you go – you are online the moment you land at the airport.

eSims are easier to set up and better than the environment than plastic sims. The downside is that not all phones are eSim ready.

Packing Cubes For Colombia – Wandrd Packing Cubes

In case you have never used them, packing cubes are little compression cubes that allow you to neatly pack clothes in in order to help facilitate better packing. They allow you to pack more stuff, and to keep it all better organised.

For the longest time, I thought that packing cubes were a superfluous indulgence, but boy was I wrong. Now I never travel without a few.

These ones from WANDRD are great quality and excellent value for money.

Colombia’s climate does vary depending upon where exactly you are. For example, Bogota can get rainy and cold, Medellin is generally pleasant and the Caribbean coast has the full raft of tropical weather from exhausting heat to flood rains.

You also need to be mindful off not dressing like a tourist and trying to blend in as much as possible. This is not exactly easy but it is still worth trying as it will reduce your chances of being targeted by criminals. Factor all of this in when deciding what to wear in Colombia.

Good Shoes – Salomon X Ultra 3 Low Aero

Chances are your trip to Colombia will involve a lot walking, especially if you are heading to the Colombia National Parks . The cities themselves are pretty big and pretty hilly, the mountain villages perfect for hiking and then there is the famous Lost City 4 day trek which you cannot miss.

I admit that most shoes that are also good for hiking are not the most attractive pieces of footwear. But they are some of the most comfortable and deliver good ankle support for a long day of walking about town. I mean, your body is already going to be suffering enough from all of those beers and aguardiente’s.

The countryside of Colombia is lush and beautiful and best explored on two feet. So get your walking shoes on!

Check out the  women’s Salomon X Ultra 3 Low Aero .

Good Rain Jacket – Arcteryx Beta AR

Did you know that the surface of the earth is over 70% covered in water? And you know how that water got there? Yep because it tends to here rain here on planet earth quite a lot! Colombia is lush and green and therefore, it gets a lot of rain! Bogota stays kinda rainy all year round and other regions experience full on wet seasons so be prepared.

There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wing gear for it. Don’t let a bit (of a lot) of rain ruin your trip and make sure you are ready with some top notch rain gear.

This is our pick of the many rain jackets we have tried. It’s reliable & stylish and looks good worn out in the mountains or in city bars.

Travel Insurance From World Nomads

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Planner/Travel Journal

Keeping a journal is one of the best things to do when traveling. The Drifter Leather Journal by Kodiak is our favorite, it works great for digital nomads and organized backpackers and can be used as planner or a dream diary – whatever you want! 

Keep on track with your goals, travels and save those precious memories, especially the ones you do not want to share online. This one is bound in beautiful leather so it looks beautiful and will withstand life on the road.

Daypack for Colombia –  Osprey Daylite Plus

If you intend on doing any hiking or day trips, then bring a day pack. They are great for carrying water, hat’s and gloves and for packing sandwiches for lunch. We love Osprey products and this daypack is our personal pick.

The Osprey Daylite Plus has a mesh-covered panel to keep your back cool and fresh by minimizing contact with the back of the pack itself and allowing air to get between you and the pack.

Check out our   full review of the Osprey Daylite plus  for more details.

Additionally, you can attach it to other Osprey packs in case you want to add more capacity and carry just one piece of luggage… but the reviews on this feature are mixed. Your packing for Colombia is not complete with a good daypack!

Best Sunglasses For Colombia – Abaco Polarized Sunglasses

A reliable pair of sunglasses is undoubtedly one of your Colombia packing essentials. Our favorites are Abaco Polarized Sunglasses because they deliver on quality and style. 

They’re built tough with triple-layer scratch-resistant lenses and trademarked Adventure-proof Frame Material. You can also customize them with your choice of lens and frame colors to reflect your own style. 

So what else is there? Lets look at some other cool shit to bring to Colombia.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

Another backpacker/traveler favorite for staying organized is a  hanging toiletry bag . It’s extremely helpful to have all of your accessories neatly gathered in one bag that you can hang for easy accessibility, especially when counter space isn’t plentiful or even available.

A well-organized bag is worth having whether you’re tree whilst camping or a hook in the wall – it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

Historically, I have been the guy who has my stuff all over the bathroom, so getting one of these things really changed the toiletry game for me. Plus they are not too expensive either. A no-brainer essential. 

This one by Nomatic is possibly the best toiletry bag on the market. It is made from water resistant, wipe cleanable material that guarantees longevity and it offers excellent organisational capabilities. It is also comes with a hang-up-hook so you can hang it over the shower head or your hostel bed.

A Proper Travel Towel (Gotta stay dry!)

Towels are essential backpacking gear as a lot of hostels don’t provide them or if they do, they may not really be all that clean. However don’t bring a ‘normal’ towel on your backpacking journeys, they are big and take up loads of room in your pack and they take ages to dry.

Travel pros like use micro-fibre dry towels that roll up into tiny, space saving proportions AND they dry unbelievably quick. Granted, they are not quite as comforting as a cotton towel but its a trade of that travellers need to make. A good micro-fibre travel towers is essential travel gear on any ultimate backpacking gear list.

From Caribbean beaches to hostel pools to natural springs, Colombia will present you with a lot of opportunities to get into your swimwear.

During your trip to Colombia you will notice that the local females are very dedicated to making sure that swimwear is, erm, “sufficiently filled out” and the nations plastic surgeons are kept quite busy.

Try not to stare too much is all I’m saying…

Travel First Aid Kit

You don’t need to tote around half a pharmacy, but a well-stocked first aid kit should be in all our backpacks. Stuff happens on the road and it’s inconvenient and embarrassing when you can’t manage small situations like a cut finger or hangover migraine.

You can tuck this lifesaver away in a forgotten pocket – and it’ll be there when you need it.

Tip: Add a few bits and pieces to the first aid kit after you purchase it, like extra headache medicine, any personal meds you need (like allergy pills), whatever you take to calm your stomach and a few more plasters.

Suncream:  Thinksport Safe SPF 50+

By now, all of us are as pasty as the driven snow from sheltering in place for the last six months. Am I right? This means we are even more vulnerable than usual to the sun’s fierce rays. Packing sunscreen for Colombia may seem like a no brainer, but you would be amazed how many sun-burned cocktail-toting people you see wandering around. 

Thinksport Safe SPF 50+ sunscreen gives folks strong sun protection in a non-oily formula that’s free of gluten, paraben, phthalates and biologically harmful chemicals.

Money Belt – By Pacsafe

As we said, Colombia can be dicey and tourists are targeted. If you are robbed, the thieves will empty out your pockets and take your wallet.  Therefore, hiding some cash in a money belt is a wise move.

Therefore it is always a good idea to use a money belt to hide your cash just in case something does go wrong.

On top of the essential items listed above, here is an additional suggested checklist of what to pack for a trip to Colombia:

• 1-2 pairs of comfortable pants/jeans
• 1-2 pairs of shorts (summer/late spring)
• A few pairs of socks
• (Sexy) underwear x 2/3
• Ladies: a few dresses, pants, outfits, or desired lady apparel for a night on the town. Whatever makes you comfy! 
• Dudes: A few collard shirts or something half-way decent for a night on the town. Whatever makes you comfy! 
• Smartphone with a good camera for photos if you are not bringing an actual camera
• Portable power bank  for charging your phone on the go
• Phone charger
• Amazon Kindle  for reading by the pool
• Copy of your passport just in case
• Cash (not too much, there are ATM machines everywhere
• Packable Towel

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

And there it is, amigos – you complete Colombia survival guide. With this, you have everything you need to know about what to pack for Colombia. As you continue trip prepping, remember that you have a top-21 needs packing list to refer back to with tips on what to wear in Colombia and how to pack for the different regional conditions. Plus, you have some packing recommendations for women and men – including what NOT to pack for Colombia.

Just focus on where you plan to go, what you plan to do and pack smart. Less is more! But, just follow our main tips, and you’ll be ready for anything and everything that magical Colombia throws your way!

We wish you safe and happy travels!

Claire Sturzaker

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Purses & Planes Travel Blog

Purses & Planes

The Ultimate Colombia Packing List (54+ Things You Need for Colombia)

Last Updated on March 16, 2023 by Natalie

Looking for the BEST Colombia packing list!?

This post is all about what to pack for Colombia.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure  here .

Packing for Colombia was a daunting task. For years I’ve backpacked across Europe and the Middle East, but never South America.

I felt like I was entering a new arena in the hunger games – totally unprepared with blurry expectations.

We’re talking mosquitos, hiking, extreme heat, and remote destinations.

Even after loads of research and personal recommendations from seasoned Colombia backpackers, I still felt like there were some things I needed, and some I didn’t.

My experience backpacking 1-month through Colombia helped me create the most perfect Colombia packing list for your trip.

Still, planning your Colombia itinerary? Check out my post on Cartagena .

Don’t forget your FREE Colombia Packing List printable so you don’t forget a single thing!

Here is the Ultimate Colombia Packing List

While this was my personal Colombia packing list for a 30-day backpacking trip, your list might look a little different from mine.

I hope these recommendations will help you successfully pack for your Colombia trip.

Basic Essentials

1. osprey porter 46 travel backpack.

The holy grail of all backpacks. This magical bag will hold everything you need and passes as a carry-on size on most airlines.

I’ve had this bag for years and wouldn’t dare look at anything else!

2. Travelon Anti-Theft Day Pack

My new travel product obsession!

I noticed this backpack on the backs of some fellow travelers and instantly fell in love.

While it may look tiny, this pack is mighty. I use it as my “electronics bag” and it fits my laptop, large drone & remote, DSLR, journal, kindle, passport, wallet, and so much more.

3. Compression Packing Cubes

I’ve always been anti-packing cubes until I ran across the compression kind! These cubes will help you stay organized without taking up any extra space.

4. Lifestraw Water Bottle

Whether it’s Lifestraw or a different brand, I highly recommend getting some kind of filtered water bottle for your Colombia travels.

5. Foldable Bag

I know what you’re thinking.. yet another backpack!? Yes!

This foldable backpack is so tiny that it takes up NO room. It’s worth packing even if you never use it. I use it specifically for hiking when I don’t want to get my nicer bags dirty.

6. Travel Toiletry Bag

Finding a hanging toiletry bag is essential, especially if you are staying in hostels. This bag is compact and has loads of room.

I use it to hold all my toiletries and medicine.

Toiletries / Shower Essentials

7. microfiber travel towel.

My personal favorite travel towel. The sizes do run very small so size up (1 or even 2)! I personally have an XL to use as a shower towel and beach towel.

8. Facial Microfiber Towel

A small microfiber towel is handy just to wash your face.

9. Laundry bag

A bag to keep your dirty laundry in is essential! This is something I refuse to travel without.

Most of the time compression cube packs come with these bags, but if not you’ll want to grab one of these!

10. Laundry detergent

At times in remote destinations, it can be tricky to get your laundry done. These Laundry strips help me in between proper washes.

11. Hairbrush

This dainty hairbrush will keep your hair looking fresh without taking up much space in your bag.

12. Manicure Set

Keep groomed while on the road. You won’t want to leave for Colombia without these often overlooked essentials.

13. Small Comb

This is my “nights out” comb. It’s so small it fits perfectly in a purse or fanny pack for evenings out at the club (or a jungle party!)

14. Contacts & Solution / Glasses

Like so many of us, if you aren’t one of the lucky ones with 20/20 vision, pack extra contacts & glasses for the duration of your trip.

You can buy more contact solution at the pharmacies, but it’s best to bring a small pack to last you until you get to one.

15. Friction Stick

This was such a common problem among so many women I was hiking with. I was so thankful that I brought a friction rub! I used it on days I wore dresses and went on long walking tours or hikes.

I’ve used both the Arm & Hammer brand and the body glide, and the Arm & Hammer works much better.

16. Makeup Remover Wipes

These are the only makeup remover wipes that don’t sting my skin. Also, I love how they aren’t liquid-based, perfect for traveling!

17. Facial Cleanser & Moisturizer

My favorite travel cleanser & moisturizer is The Ordinary. Their products come in small sizes and are super affordable.

18. Dental Hygiene Products

Keep your teeth healthy with my go-to dental products.

19. Sunscreen

Believe me, that Colombia sun is meant to BURN! I like to be prepared with just a little bit of sunscreen for when I arrive and buy more when I get to a pharmacy.

If your first destination is a city, sunscreen will be easy to find. However, if you’re heading to more remote destinations in the North or the South, stores are not always accessible.

20. Hair Accessories

As I’ve mentioned. that Colombia heat will get to you. If you have long hair, you’ll need plenty of options to pull your hair back.

21. Chapstick

This is the chapstick I swear by! While it may seem a bit expensive for lip balm, I am a total chapstick junkie and need the very best.

22. Soap + Soap Holder

A bar is my preferred soap to travel with while backpacking. It cuts down on my liquids and lasts longer. One bar of soap lasted me exactly one month.

23. Shampoo & Conditioner

Again, shampoo and conditioner are products you can totally buy when you get to Colombia. I just prefer to have some on hand so I’m not scrambling to find it first thing when I land to my destination.

If you usually have a razor at home, you’ll need one on the road! This razor is my favorite and doesn’t irritate my skin.

25. Small Jars/Bottles

These small containers are great if you want to take your favorite products from home.

26. Medications

Ibuprofen and Imodium are two essentials you must take with you to Colombia.

Be sure to take any contraceptives or vitamins that you take regularly as well.

27. Feminine Care

This is truly one of the most underrated things that should be packed in your bag! What some women don’t know is that feminine care products are different in every country.

Meaning – different chemicals, applicators, and materials.

It’s best to bring some of your own that you’re comfortable with.

28. Health Misc.

Don’t forget these handy items like bandaids and cotton swabs.

29. Germ-X + Lysol Wipes

Don’t you dare leave to travel without some Germ-X and disinfecting wipes!

My personal favorite germ-x is the mini bath & bodyworks scented bottles because they just smell SO good! I also love these scented lemon Lysol wipes to wipe down anything that might be icky.

Your luggage may also need more frequent wipe-downs than usual in Colombia’s dewy climate.

Lotion may be considered essential for only a select few, but for my insanely dry skin, it’s a must!

31. Small Makeup Bag

I am obsessed with these small pouch bags. I typically end up bringing two of them on my travels. They can really help you keep organized.

One for makeup and one for feminine care products.

32. Condoms

Always best to be safe and prepared!

Shoes are probably the most important thing that will be in your luggage.

You can easily buy anything you’ll need abroad, except for your favorite shoes.

I’ve made the mistake of buying a brand new pair of shoes before leaving for a trip and it’s such a mistake! Make sure you purchase shoes with plenty of time to break them in before your departure.

When you’re walking over 10 miles a day, it’s essential that you have comfortable and versatile shoes in your bag.

33. Hiking Shoes / Tennis Shoes

If you’re planning on doing the Lost City hike, then you might want to bring your hiking shoes over tennis. Otherwise, you should be good with just a pair of tennis shoes! I went on four hikes and was happy I didn’t bring my bulky hiking shoes.

34. Comfy Sandals

Birkenstocks fit my style and comfort, but any reputable walking sandal will work.

35. Cute and Comfy Sandals

These Steve Madden sandals are my favorite go-to travel sandal. They are so comfortable and look perfect with sundresses. They also take up hardly any room.

36. Shower / Beach Flip Flops

If you’re planning on staying in hostels or visiting any beaches, you’ll need to pack some cheap flip-flops. Thin classic flip-flops are perfect for taking up the least amount of space in your bag.

This portion of the list will vary greatly depending on what kind of traveler you are.

As I am someone who works remotely, I obviously needed my camera and laptop. If you can live without these things, the less you pack is always better.

37. Unlocked Phone

If you are looking to get a sim card so your phone will work, contact your phone company to ensure you won’t have any issues.

For iPhone users, your phone should be unlocked, which can only happen after you’ve had your phone for six months.

38. Microsoft Surface Laptop

A Laptop might not be essential on everyone’s Colombia packing list but as a digital creator, it was for me.

Microsoft Surface Laptop is what I use. I LOVE how light it is!

39. Travel Adapter

Colombia uses A, B type outlets, which are the same as in the United States. So if you’re coming from a country that uses different outlets, be sure to take this international adapter with you.

I can’t go anywhere without my kindle! It’s the perfect alternative to packing heavy books.

Even if you aren’t a reader, if you are traveling to more remote parts of Colombia (like the North) you will want to bring something to do that doesn’t require WiFi. I was without stable internet about half the time I was in Colombia.

41. Headphones

Of course, you can’t leave for a trip without a solid pair of headphones.

42. Portable Charger

Being without a phone in a foreign country can be scary. I always keep a portable charger on me.

43. Extra Phone Chargers

I feel like my chargers always break when I’m on a long trip. It’s best to keep just a couple on you.

44. Camera (optional)

As I mentioned, your packing list might look slightly different from mine.

I travel with this DSLR camera and take most of my blog photos with it.

45. Passport Holder

A Passport holder is a must for me. I keep my paper covid-vaccine inside along with a piece of paper containing my contact info so that if someone finds it, they can contact me.

46. Personal Alarm

One of the biggest complaints I hear of solo female travelers is that they wish they could travel with pepper spray or a knife to help them feel a little safer.

While most safety tools are not permitted on airlines, personal alarms are! I carry this with me when I’m traveling or going out at home. It helps me feel just a little more secure, especially if I’m walking home alone.

This device works by quickly detaching the top handle if you feel in danger and a VERY loud siren goes off, drawing attention to you.

47. Luggage Tags

Keeping your luggage labeled with your information is essential if it ends up being misplaced or stolen.

48. Light Rain Gear

Whether you’re an umbrella gal or rain-jacket cat – take your pick (or pack both)

Rainy season in Colombia is April to May and October to November , And when it rains, it pours!

49. Writing Utensils

I like to have a pen, pencil, and sharpie when I’m traveling to write in my journal or label things.

50. Journal

Be sure to bring a travel journal to document your exciting trip to Colombia!

51. Travel Insurance

I never leave for a trip without buying travel insurance. My preferred choice is Allianz . However, World Nomads is fine as well.

52. Personal Bag

Having the right bag can make or break your chances of getting your belongings stolen as an everyday tourist.

If you opt for a purse, make sure it has a zipper or clasp that would be tricky to swipe items out of.

Bum bags are also very popular and a great way to keep your phone and money close to your body.

53. Sunglasses

Sunglasses should be at the top of everyone’s Colombia packing list! Protect your eyes from that intense sun with a pair of sunglasses.

Every suitcase will look different when it comes to packing clothes for a trip.

I personally hate shorts so I opt for more dresses and skirts, but you might have a totally different style.

54. Here’s a breakdown of what clothes I packed for Colombia.

2 cropped tanks

2 cropped tops

1 pair of loose pants

2 pairs of pajamas

1 long-sleeved top

4 pairs of socks

1 pair of jeans

10 pairs of underwear

1 workout/hiking outfit

2 swimsuits

Planning your trip to Colombia? Check out my post 13 things to do in Cartagena.

Book the best colombia excursions below.

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What to Wear in Colombia: Vacation Packing List

Packing Lists , South America Packing Lists , Travel Packing Lists

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

For this edition of Locals Approved Packing Lists two Colombia residents have assisted in providing a reliable account of a locals view to help us determine what to wear in Colombia.

What to Wear in Colombia

Edited by Chantelle Mallin

Jasmine, originally from Tampa Florida, has been on the road since 2007. After stints in New Zealand and Australia and traveling across Southeast Asia and Latin America, she fell in love with Medellin, Colombia.

She now calls the city home where she lives with her puppy Luna. You can catch up with her on Twitter and Facebook or check out her travel blog  Jasmine Wanders .

Our other Colombia correspondent is Andres Rodriguez, the co-editor of international street fashion blog  Iconia Magazine . He’s lived in Colombia for 37 years, and is not only capturing images of the latest fashions in his home country but also around the world including Paris, Milan, and New York.

The photographs featured on this article give you a sneak peak at what Iconia Magazine has to offer so check it out for more international street style.

Thank you for your helpful insight guys!

Colombia Clothing Style

The clothing style in Colombia mainly depends on the city, in the tropical places such as Cartagena the style is chic, elegant and more relaxed, think lots of white and light fabrics. Medellin is more sexy, think Latin, the women wear light dresses, tight jeans and bright colours – don’t be afraid to show a little skin here!

How to choose the best fabrics for travel ? Read this post!

Medellin is hot during the day and cool at night, however it’s not a tropical destination, dress light, but not as if you’re going to the beach. Medellin is considered the fashion capital of Colombia, people dress considering trends.

Bogota is a colder city, think New York in the springtime, it is more formal and sophisticated: scarfs, coats, heavy jackets and dark colours. Cartagena is a tropical city with very hot weather, dress accordingly with loose t-shirts, shorts, flowing dresses, maxi skirts and sandals.

Always check the weather forecast  for each city you plan to visit during your trip to Colombia. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a capsule travel wardrobe , which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.

Read these tips on how to avoid a boring all-black wardrobe when you travel!

There are no rules in general for dressing in Colombia, however to avoid sticking out it is recommended men wear trousers and closed-toed shoes, especially at night.

For the girls opt for skinny jeans, a pretty shirt, sandals (not flip-flops), flats and heels if you fancy dressing up your outfit. If you decide to wear shorts, pair it with a conservative top.

Check out our round-up of comfortable walking sandals that don’t sacrifice style !

Jasmine suggests that here is more conservative and formal that her home state of Florida, it is not common to see men in shorts or people wearing flip flops, the local’s value presenting themselves well.

Wearing shorts, sandals and a t-shirt to go shopping, out at night, at a restaurant or clubbing will get you pegged as a tourist, if you plan to go to chic places dress up to avoid feeling under dressed.

Find out how to turn any one of your dresses into versatile dresses !

When planning what to wear in Colombia, the top advice from Andres is to dress for the diverse weather conditions across the country , if your go to Cartagena and Medellin and then travel to Bogota, be prepared to pack 3 different kind of clothing for each city’s climate.

Read this tips on how to pack for different climates !

Sunglasses | Travel Guide | Sunscreen | Scarf

Travel Essentials

• Cartagena – As Cartagena has a tropical climate be sure to pack your favourite pair of sunglasses, a hat and plenty of sun cream to protect you from the suns glare, light coloured flowing maxi dresses and skirts are perfect for women, men should purchase a ‘guayabera’ for a local clothing store, it’s kind of like a safari/camp shirt, popular in South America. Don’t forget to pack a printed swimsuit/bikini and cute cover-up to hit up Cartagena’s beaut sandy beaches.
• Medellin – For this fashionable city pack your favourite printed dresses and colourful tops team these with a pair of on trend jeans and you’ll fit right in, oh and don’t be afraid to show a little skin.
• Bogota – Think slightly conservative and sophisticated clothing (if you want to fit in, maybe you don’t though!), essentials include sunglasses for during the day, a pair of jeans or dark pants, a printed scarf and a light coat and jacket, dress up not down!

Colombia is the country with diverse weather so try to bring clothing to cover all weather conditions!

Colombia Shopping

If you’ve forgotten an item or just fancy updating your holiday wardrobe Colombia has got it covered, there are lots of clothing stores in the major cities including international brands such as Zara, Diesel, Mango and Forever 21 and designer brands such as Carolina Herrera and Louis Vuitton.

Other cool clothing brands include ELA , Ragged , Stradivarius, STOP Jeans  and Arturo Calle  for the men, hit up one of the local malls to find possibilities for every budget or browse the outdoor markets for unique crafts and budget clothing, ask at your hotel for the nearest market.

Colombia is a country with a buzzing fashion scene check out some of their local designers such as –

• Franca Lovely Chus  – A shoe brand noted for its production of quirky, clunky-cool leather shoes created in bright colours and extravagant shapes, the shoes are entirely manufactured in Colombia.
• Maria Luisa Ortiz  – The Red Label is a lower-cost alternative to the Maria Luisa Ortiz couture line, the brand has a contemporary feel.
• Leal Daccarett  – Colombia’s most cutting-edge young apparel brands, think hippy-chic, featuring traditional craftsmanship and an edgy design.

Colombia is located very close to the equator – typical seasons aren’t present, however the weather changes as you travel through the country due to the range of altitudes and geographic conditions such as humid forests, tropical plains and deserts.

The weather is consistent throughout the year with slight variations due to the dry and wet seasons. You can experience totally different climates within a couple hours of travel.

The general rule is that the temperature will decrease by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit by every 1000 feet increase in altitude, also the higher up you are the more of difference you will notice between day and night temps.

Read these tips on what to wear on a rainy day !

Dry/Verano (Summer) Season

Dry season usually runs from June – August and December – February, average highs are around 20 ºC and it is commonly sunny, pack light and relaxed clothing, a pair of sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen. The dry season is the most pleasant time to pay a visit to the country, many festivals and fiestas take place during this season, and it is the perfect time to go hiking.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for summer travel:

• Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
• Summer Maxi Dresses
• Lightweight Jackets for Easy Layers
• The 10 Best Sandals for Travel this Summer

Wet/Invierno (Winter) Season

Wet season generally runs from March – May and September – November, the average temperature is again around 20 °C, fog, cloud and hailstorms can be common, pack light and comfortable clothing for during the day and a sweater and light jacket for chillier evenings. Oh and remember to pack waterproof shoes and an umbrella and rain jacket with hood.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for winter travel:

• Capsule Wardrobe for Winter
• How to Pack for Cold Weather
• How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather (without the bulk)
• The Best Travel Shoes for Winter

V   Neck  |  Blouse  |  T   Shirt  |  Sleeveless  |  Shirtdress  |  Dress  |  Jeans  |  Pants  |  Jacket  |  Poncho  |  Sweater  |  Shorts  |  Boots  |  Shoes  |  Scarf  |  Backpack

What to Wear in Colombia: Bogota

Bogota is the capital city of Colombia, the weather in Bogota is quite consistent all year round. The typical temperature hovers around 14ᵒC rarely rises above around 20ᵒC and falls below 5ᵒC, the city has quite a cool climate compared to other Colombian cities.

The driest months are commonly January, July, August and December, whilst the wettest run between April to May and September to November.

Be prepared, in Bogota you can experience all four seasons in one day. The best advice would be to layer, taking off or adding clothing depending on the weather!

Pack your favourite pair of jeans or dark coloured trousers, simple coloured jersey t-shirts and blouses, a thin knit sweater, it gets cool at night, and a cute printed tea dress paired with tights to add a sense of femininity, pair with a cute cotton scarf and a chic waterproof jacket.

Take a look at these stylish and Insta-friendly water-resistant jackets !

Don’t let the cooler weather fool you; due to the country’s closeness to the equator you still need to pack your favourite sunnies and sun cream to protect you from the sun’s rays.

Shoe wise; pack a comfortable pair of waterproof boots or hiking shoes to combat the impulsive weather, also include a printed pair of sneakers and cut out closed toe sandals for when the weather is mild, don’t forget to pack an umbrella to face the wet season.

Looking for comfortable and cute walking shoes for travel? Read this post!

Don’t let the cooler weather put you off; check out all the beautiful cosmopolitan city has to offer, combat the weather and try a traditional Bogota drink – to warm up taste a hot chocolate and cheese portion or cool down with a glass of agua de panela (unrefined whole can sugar) with lime juice.

Street Style in Bogota

Photo: Diana Trujillo Neme with IconiaMagazine.com

Sleeveless  |  Blouse  |  Tank  |  Cami  |  Dress  1  |  Dress  2  |  Pants  |  Short  |  Waistcoat  |  Jacket  |  T   Shirt  |  Skirt  |  Shoes  |  Sandals  |   Hat  |  Backpack

What to Wear in Colombia: Caribbean Coast

The weather on the Caribbean coast is hot and humid; the temperature ranges from 24 to 33 in places such as Cartagena, Baranquilla and Santa Marta. The wet season typically runs from September to October; however there is significantly less rain that in Bogota.

Benefit the glorious weather and pack accordingly. Include natural coloured tunics and short sleeved tee’s to pair with button down maxi skirts, a cute pair of cut off denim shorts and a pair of printed loose trousers. Include a pretty printed maxi and tea dress and embellished playsuit to complete your wardrobe.

Here’s a list of tunics that you can shop now and wear all season long !

Opt for a vintage style kimono jacket and crocheted shawl as cover up options and don’t forget your swimwear to take advantage of the beautiful coast! The coast can get pretty hot and humid in the day, so the best advice would be to dress light, oh and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Here are the twenty-three best one piece swimsuits  of the season!

Comfy shoes are a must as you’ll probably be doing a lot of walking and sightseeing, pack a cute pair of pastel coloured sandals for relaxing on the beach. Pack a pair or good walking/hiking boots if your itinerary includes trekking to the lost city, in the mountains or through the amazon, a strong insect repellent would be useful for the latter.

Check out our comfortable walking sandals that don’t sacrifice style !

The coast is the perfect place for ‘fun in the sun’ offering you the idyllic slice of summer any time of the year.  Colombia has a tasty selection of fruits – try the lemonade de coco a lemonade made with a Piña Colada coconut mix.

Blouse  |  Sleeveless  |  Tank  |  Top  |  Romper  |  Dress  |  Pant  |  Short  |  Jacket  |  Vest  |  Long   Sleeve  |  Shorts  |  Boots  |  Sandals  |  Hat  |  Backpack

What to Wear in Colombia: Amazonas

It’s the rainforest, so it rains A LOT! The rain is generally all year round , however January to May is the most extreme, and the region is also insanely humid, with temperatures throughout the year in the high 20s.

Light, casual clothing that can be layered would be the best choice for the amazon, because of the heavy rainfall and humidity clothes are hard to dry (jeans would be a nightmare), bring enough clothes to last you all your trip and stick to polyester and nylon fabrics that dry quickly, be warned though, these fabrics can get humid in warm weather,

Stick to light-coloured clothing that reflect heat and sunlight and help avoid insects, think cottons and silks that are light and breathable and will absorb sweat and release body heat.

Read this tips to stop overpacking !

Be prepared for the extreme weather and pack accordingly, opt for a variation of short and long sleeved t’s and tunics, a selection of neutral trousers and printed shorts, a cute sweater, a printed kimono to be worn if planning a nice outing for a meal or drinks, oh and don’t forget you swimsuit and water shoes for bathing.

A lightweight waterproof jacket is a necessity for this region, perfect for keeping you dry on a cool evening, yet one that can be stuffed away on a warm clear day.

Find out why we love these lightweight jackets for travel !

A pair of comfortable waterproof walking shoes is essential for the amazon; bring a pair that dry easily.

Blouse  |  Longsleeve   |  V   Neck  |  Tank  |  Dress  |  Swing   Dress  |  Jeans  |  Pants  |  Jacket  |  Poncho  |  Cardigan  |  Skirt  |  Boots  |  Flats  |  Hat  |  Backpack

What to Wear in Colombia: Coffee Region

The coffee region of Colombia is known for being pleasant, with temperatures varying between 17 and 25 degrees. Areas such as Medellín are considered to have the ‘perfect’ temperature.

Again, there are two main seasons rainy and dry. If you plan on visiting areas around Medellín, check the altitude, for instance Santa Fe de Antioquia is warmer and Santa Elena is cooler.

Style in Medellin is quite casual, becoming more stylish in areas such as Poblado and Tessoro, good advice would be to layer, adding and removing clothing according to the heat.

Pack your favourite pair of skinny jeans, printed trouser, a light panelled sweater and a variety of neutral tee’s, blouses and tunics, skirts and dresses aren’t so common, apart from in the younger generation.

Learn how to pack lightly stylishly !

At night, women are more inclined to dress up. Pack an embellished cami top and cropped trousers, during the rainy season it can get chilly at night, pack a flowing cardigan or printed kimono, the ladies of Medellín are well presented with groomed hair, nails and clothing.

You rarely see shorts, sandals and flip flops whilst out and about, opt for cut out boots, cute brogues and printed sneakers and shoe choices; Medellin is a good place to buy shoes as many are manufactured locally.

Read this 10 step guide on how to pack shoes for any trip !

Medellin feels like spring all year round , with pleasant weather and beautiful blooms, it is the perfect place for outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking and walking, be sure to pack some high factor sunscreen, the area had a high level of UV penetration.

Street Style in Medellin

Photos: Andrés Felipe Ramírez with IconiaMagazine.com

Colombia Travel Tips

The best tip when planning what to wear in Colombia would be to pack different types of clothing to cater for the diverse climate conditions.

Check out the weather and temperature for the places you are visiting before travel, and pack accordingly, remember – don’t wear sandals and shorts in Bogota, even if you are a very casual traveller, not only will you feel cold, you will feel under-dressed for most occasions.

When visiting you may also want to consider the country’s holiday period, the high periods run from December to mid-January, Semana Santa (Holy Week: March or April) and from mid-June to mid-July, also take into account the three day weekends and regional celebrations such as Baranquilla de Carnaval .

These are the best periods to interact with traveling Colombians in chilled, holiday mode, however transport can become more crowded, hotels fill up quicker and the price of a holiday may rise.

Enjoy Your Colombia Vacation!

What are your tips on what to wear in Colombia? Share in the comments!

For more South America packing list, please read:

• 6 Packing Tips for Traveling to South America
• Packing List for Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador
• What to Pack for Trips to Brazil: Packing List and Fashion Tips

Suggested Travel Resources:

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18 comments.

Thanks this is all really helpful!

I am trying to understand how little girl clothing sizes in Columbia compare to sizes in the US. Do you have any insight on that? We’re hosting a little girl from Columbia and need to provide her some clothing!

Hi Brit, I apologize but we don’t know the answer to this. You might find some information by looking in Google for “Colombia vs USA kids clothing sizes. 🙂

Thanks for this informative post! I’m going to Cartagena, Cali, and La Macarena next month. Nice to know I can dress light and casual in these areas!

Hey y’all! It’s Colombia, not Columbia! It says Columbia Travel Tips at the bottom of the article. Just a pet peeve from many Colombians. Love the article though regardless!

Thanks for the heads up Sam! Will get to fixing it now! Thanks for reading!

Great site, really good writing:-)! I really enjoy your blog. I’m waiting for more. Best regards!

Thanks for reading!

Carnaval de Barranquilla not Barranquilla de Carnaval lol I have to disagree with the first comment though, people do not wear shorts in Bogota. On the other hand I do a lot more short wearing from locals on the coast.

Hi Paulette, thanks for helping to clear that up. Great feedback!

Hi. I have to agree with the shorts because I wear shorts in Bogotá. Yet, you do need to dress them up with the right top and shoes. Great article, one suggestion is make sure you verify city names and special events as it can flag your article as inaccurate; other than that-love it.

Awesome! Thanks Jenny 🙂

” it is not common to see men in shorts” Not true at all! People wear shorts in Bogota allll the time. I see it often! It is quite common. I mean, if you go to Santa Marta, you aren’t going to want to wear anything but shorts…and flip flops. Poor advice.

Thanks for your feedback Ctravel, this information was based on interviews with locals living in Colombia. It’s always good to know there are more options for men.

No true! Men or women do not wear shorts in Bogota, it can get cold and restaurants do not allow men in sandals or shorts, people dress up for dinner. Shorts is for the coastal areas Barranquilla, Cartagena and other warmer aras. I should know just got back from Bogota, women wear Jeans, leggings and boots.

What a small world I live in Tampa too! Flying into Bogota in a few weeks. This information came in very handy! Thank you so much for sharing!

Thanks so much for this detailed post! Really enjoyed it! A friend of mine and I are leaving for Medellin this Friday – we are from Florida as well (Fort Lauderdale)! We will be there for about 5 days and are really excited to see the city.

I’m glad I came across your blog and look forward to reading more! If you see this before we leave and have any tips for us, that’d be awesome! You can email me. 😀

Thanks Deborah! Hope you have an amazing trip 🙂

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